Norris Admits McLaren Now Only 'Fourth Fastest Team' After US GP

Lando Norris has delivered a blunt assessment of McLaren’s declining competitiveness, conceding that the team is now the fourth-fastest outfit on the grid. Following a disappointing United States Grand Prix where Norris finished fifth and Oscar Piastri seventh, it has become clear that the MCL40 lacks the raw pace to challenge for the podium on merit.

Why it matters:

McLaren is no longer fighting for the top step of the podium but is instead struggling to maintain its position in the Constructors' standings. This decline in performance comes at a critical juncture, as the team's rivals continue to find gains while McLaren's development curve has plateaued, leaving them vulnerable to those behind them.

The details:

• Technical Stagnation: The primary issue remains a chronic lack of rear-end grip and performance in slow-speed corners, a weakness Norris admits has been difficult to tackle for a significant period.
• Ineffective Upgrades: While recent aerodynamic updates are functioning as designed, they have failed to provide the leap needed to bridge the gap to the top three teams.
• Strategic Gamble: McLaren attempted a one-stop strategy in Austin, hoping for a Safety Car to propel Norris toward a podium. However, aging hard tires left him vulnerable to Max Verstappen's fresher rubber and superior deployment.
• Inter-team Dynamics: Norris was prioritized in driver swaps during the race, which he justified by being significantly quicker than Piastri throughout the weekend.

The big picture:

The performance dip has immediate championship implications. McLaren arrived in Austin with a seven-point lead over Red Bull for third in the Constructors' Championship but leaves Texas tied on points. With only five rounds remaining in the 2026 season, the battle for the final podium spot in the standings is now a dead heat.

What's next:

The priority for the Woking-based team is now urgent technical remediation. Unless McLaren can resolve its stubborn slow-corner deficiency, they risk a complete collapse in their standing as the season heads toward its finale.